Step 27: Attend the walkthrough

One of the final steps of the purchase process is a pre-closing walkthrough of the property. This is an opportunity for the Buyer to do a final check of the property to make sure any agreed upon repairs have been completed and the condition of the property is the same as when the contract was agreed upon. Normally this is done a day or two before the closing or around the time of the signing. Sometimes Buyers will have the general home inspector back out to do another brief perusal, but more commonly the Buyers will simply perform the walkthrough themselves or have a friend/relative do it on their behalf if out of town.

Unfortunately we as agents can’t perform this function on behalf of our clients, but we of course will be present as well. There is also a form that is necessary to be filled out agreeing everything is good and ready to close, or another spot noting anything that needs to be done before closing can occur if something is amiss.

Nothing in the contract specifically states that a Seller must repair all old nail holes where pictures or other decorations may have been hanging. Nor must they clean the home to any certain standard. This has at times been a contentious issue in real estate transactions around the area. Common decency and pride of ownership means most Sellers do a reasonable job of cleaning the home, but not always to the standards of the incoming Buyer. We recommend planning on performing a deep clean of the property to bring it up to your standard of cleanliness. It’s also likely you’ll have some minor nail holes to patch after moving in, but perhaps these locations might even work for your own decorations. Think of it as an opportunity to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls to make it your own & feel new!

AAR Buyer Pre-Closing Walkthrough Form

Next: Attend the signing